A recent survey commissioned by Too Good To Go, the largest global marketplace for surplus food, has unveiled the serious implications of food waste in Irish households. Conducted ahead of National Stop Food Waste Day, which occurs on Saturday, March 1st, the research found that over a third of consumers regularly discard food, resulting in both significant financial burdens and environmental repercussions.

According to the findings, Ireland generates roughly 750,000 tonnes of food waste each year across various sectors, including primary production, manufacturing, retail, food services, and households. This waste contributes substantially to global greenhouse gas emissions, with up to 10 per cent attributed to food waste alone. The report indicates that avoiding food waste is crucial in addressing climate challenges.

National Stop Food Waste Day, spearheaded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), features a week-long campaign that runs until March 7th, with the overarching goal of halving food waste in Ireland by 2030, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The survey highlights the financial toll of food waste on Irish households, revealing that the average person discards approximately €19 worth of food each month, which totals around €374 annually. More than a quarter of respondents (25.2 per cent) reported that their food waste costs them between €501 and €1,000 each year. Notably, while 73 per cent of adults are aware of the issue of food waste, the challenge lies in effectively converting this awareness into tangible actions.

The survey also identified key motivations for reducing food waste, with 75.3 per cent of respondents citing financial savings as their primary concern. Additionally, 36 per cent expressed an interest in the wider environmental benefits associated with cutting down on waste. Frequency of waste disposal varies, with 30 per cent of households discarding food weekly, while 15 per cent report throwing away food every two to three days.

The research pinpointed the most commonly wasted foods, among which bread and bakery items lead at 42.4 per cent, closely followed by fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables at 40.2 per cent. The main reasons for this wastefulness include forgetting about food stored in the fridge or cupboard (31 per cent), impulse buying (27 per cent), and failing to check existing food supplies before shopping (23.6 per cent).

In a demand for actionable solutions, 68 per cent of surveyed individuals expressed interest in resources that can assist in reducing food waste. These resources include meal planning tips, guidance on food storage, and clearer date labelling.

Machaela O’Leary, sales manager for Too Good To Go, emphasised the urgency of addressing the issue, stating, “Food waste is not just bad for our wallets - it’s bad for the planet. This research shows that many Irish households are unintentionally throwing away hundreds of euros worth of food each year.” She highlighted that “small changes can make a big difference” and encouraged practices such as carefully checking expiry labels, storing food appropriately, and utilising the Too Good To Go app to rescue surplus food.

The National Stop Food Waste Day campaign promotes the use of the Stop Food Waste Pocket Guide, offering practical advice for consumers on planning meals, shopping efficiently, and storaging food to minimise waste and save money. The campaign underscores the necessity for collaborative efforts between consumers, policymakers, and retailers to drive significant change within the community, benefiting households financially and supporting environmental sustainability.